The Next Generation of Laser Vision Correction SMILE Flapless Procedure at Herzig Eye Institute

TORONTO - Feb. 9, 2016 - PRLog -- The third generation in laser vision correction, SMILE (SMall  Incision Lenticule Extraction) is an innovative flapless and minimally invasive procedure that uses a femtosecond laser to  treat short-sighted patients, often even those with very high prescriptions, astigmatism, thin corneas, dry eyes or contact lens intolerance. This groundbreaking procedure is available in Canada at industry leader the Herzig Eye Institute, visit www.herzig-eye.com for more information.

Ophthalmology has seen many technological changes over the last 30 years, especially in the field of laser vision correction. From PRK to LASIK, from microkeratome flaps to laser flaps, software and hardware improvements have resulted in safer, more accurate results for patients. SMILE is the next generation and a new way of thinking about laser vision correction.

Traditional laser correction procedures such as PRK and LASIK are not recommended for the treatment of severe short-sightedness or for patients who have severely dry eyes, rendering a number of patients ineligible for these procedures. SMILE combines the advantages of PRK and LASIK to correct refractive errors with a minimally invasive, flapless procedure where a lenticule is created inside the intact cornea and extracted in one piece through a micro incision using the Carl Zeiss VisuMax® femtosecond laser.  Because there is no flap, there are no flap-related complications.

“SMILE provides a greater safety margin, reduces dryness, provides biomedical stability, and has all of the benefits of LASIK without the flap,” states Dr. Sheldon Herzig Co-founder and Medical Director, The Herzig Eye Institute. "SMILE is used to treat short-sighted patients, often even those with very high prescriptions, astigmatism, thin corneas, dry eyes or contact lens intolerance. Patients with these conditions who were not candidates for laser vision correction may be candidates for SMILE."

With SMILE, the patient's vision is treated in a single step with the VisuMax femtosecond laser allowing the biomechanical stability of the vital upper layers of the cornea to remain largely intact. For the patient, this means a gentle, minimally invasive operation with immediate results. The predictability of the results is particularly beneficial with high refraction values up to -10 diopters.

Additionally, there are improved safety benefits of SMILE. Many patients after laser vision correction suffer with prolonged dry eye symptoms. Because SMILE does not disturb the surface of the cornea except for a small peripheral 2mm incision, sparing the corneal nerve plexus, there is very little risk of dry eye.

“We are now offering SMILE at the Herzig Eye Institute because I believe it is the best laser vision correction procedure I can offer my short-sighted patients,” adds Dr. Herzig. “Peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that the refractive results are equal to PRK and LASIK and probably better and more stable in high myopes.”

Recently approved by Health Canada, SMILE has successfully been performed on over 500,000 patients worldwide, excluding the United States where it is currently undergoing clinical trials and won't be available for another couple of years.

"Dr. Herzig has always been at the forefront of new technologies and is recognized worldwide as a leader in laser vision correction," says Andre Maraldo,  Market Development Manager Surgical Ophthalmology, Carl Zeiss Canada Ltd. "The commitment to providing the best and most honest patient care and results at the Herzig Eye Institute is unsurpassed in the very competitive laser vision correction market. Zeiss has identified Dr. Herzig as an international Key Opinion Leader and look forward to work closely with him, Co-founder Cherry Tabb and their staff to further make the Herzig Eye Institute a centre of excellence for SMILE not only in Toronto but internationally."

SMILE Treatment Steps:

Step 1: Lenticule creation

In a single step the VisuMax femtosecond laser creates a thin lenticule and a small incision measuring less than 4 mm inside the intact cornea.

Step 2: Lenticule removal

The lenticule is removed through the incision with minimal disruption to the corneal biomechanics. No flap is created.

Step 3: Vision is corrected

Removing the lenticule changes the shape of the cornea, thereby achieving the desired refractive correction.

As with all vision correction procedures, patients  undergo a detailed eye examination at the Herzig Eye Institute. The nature and degree of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, the curvature and thickness of the cornea, as well as many other factors play a role in determining which procedure is best for the patient. The Herzig Eye Institute will advise the patient after conducting a detailed examination if they are a candidate for SMILE, LASIK or PRK.

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For additional information and/or interview requests, please contact:

Peter Ashworth / Ashley Lloyd | Ashworth Associates Inc. | 416-603-6005

peter@ashworthassociates.com | ashley@ashworthassociates.com